MHRA Launches New Strategy to Transform Safety Communications for Medical Products

On World Patient Safety Day 2024, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) introduced a transformative three-year strategy to improve how information on the risks and safety of medicines, medical devices, and healthcare products is communicated across the UK. The initiative aims to ensure that both patients and healthcare professionals are better informed about the benefits and risks of medical products, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and greater trust in the healthcare system.

The strategy focuses on more coordinated and impactful communications, ensuring that essential safety information reaches patients and healthcare professionals in a timely and effective manner. This plan builds on recommendations from the 2020 Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review, which called for stronger monitoring of medical products and faster implementation of safety measures in clinical practice.

One key initiative includes the launch of a monthly MHRA Safety 'round up' bulletin, designed to address concerns raised by healthcare professionals about information overload and the need for clear, actionable safety advice. The MHRA will also foster closer relationships with healthcare organizations to enhance the relevance and clarity of its safety communications.

Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at MHRA, emphasized that the strategy will empower patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their treatments. The agency will further engage with patient representatives in 2025 to ensure its approach remains aligned with public needs and expectations.

This strategy marks a significant step in strengthening the role of safety communications in safeguarding public health, ensuring healthcare professionals can offer the best protection to their patients.